The porter was surprised. "Got a note?" he asked.
"The guv'ner gave me this," said the man, handing a card, "and the key."
"What does he want it for?" Mr. Jeckell asked.
"Got a big guzzle on at 'ome. Wants to cut an extra dash in centre-pieces."
Mr. Jeckell shook his head gravely, but made no remark. "Come along," he said shortly.
He led the way across the vestibule into the Banqueting Hall, where, behind her easel, a lady was evidently busy with her picture. He stopped at a door, which he unlocked, and both men passed through. Barely had they done so when the artist ran from behind her easel into the outer hall. "Mrs. Jeckell! Mrs. Jeckell!" she called out.
The porter's wife appeared.
"A man has gone into the plate room with your husband. I'm sure he is a thief. Warn Mr. Jeckell to get full authority before he does what this man wants."
"Gracious me!" cried the alarmed Mrs. Jeckell. "A thief! He may be murderin' Samuel!"